


.la 










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fJass 3^4 37 

Book Jji 



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Copyright^ 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 



GOSPEL FISHING 



A MANUAL 



FOR 



Personal Workers 



BY 



C. F. LADD 



%* 



"Let him know, that he who converteth a sinner 
from the error of his way shall save a soul from 
death, and shall cover a multitude of sins."— las. 5:20. 



Scripture quotations are from the American Revised Version 

Copyrighted, 1910, by the Standard Publishing Co., Cincinnati, 0. 



i 



The Bible text used in this volume is taken from the 
American Standard Edition of the Revised Bible, copyright, 
1901, by Thomas Nelson & Sons, and is used by permission. 



« , 



€ CIA 27880 



PREFACE 



Friend, do you realize that this is a perish- 
ing world? That every soul out of Christ 
is lost, and headed for the lake of fire? That, 
as a Christian, you are responsible for every 
soul you might reach, and lead to Jesus 
Christ? Do you long to enter service, but re- 
main inactive because of a lack of "knowing 
how"? 

The following pages have been written as 
an aid in winning souls. With the hope that 
they may prove of some practical use, and an 
incentive to service, to those who may chance 
to read them, they are sent forth by 

The Author. 



%1° 



Li f\0 ye therefore, and make 
disciples of all the nations, 
baptizing them into the name of the 
Father and of the Son and of the 
Holy Spirit: teaching them to ob- 
serve all things whatsoever I com- 
manded you : and lo, I am with you 
always, even unto the end of the 
world. "-JESUS. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Chapter Page 

Preface 4. 

I. Gospel fishing — Who should do it? — Personal 

work commanded — Where to fish 5 

II. How to fish — An illustration. 8 

III. Bait and how to use it — Those who wish to post- 

pone the matter 12 

IV. Bait and how to use it — Those not sure they are 

saved : 16 

V. Bait and how to use it — Excuses and how to meet 

them 20 

VI. Bait and how to use it — Excuses and how to meet 

them 29 

VII. Bait and how to use it — Excuses and how to meet 

them 37 

VIII. Bait and how to use it — Backsliders — Spiritualists — 
Christian Scientists — The unpardonable sin — 
Heb. 6: 4-6 4S 

IX. Bait and how to use it — Useful passages for various 

circumstances — "In Christ" — 56 

X. Bait and how to use it — Those who are skeptical 59 

Dont's 67 

The Use of Tracts 69 

Tracts 70 



GOSPEL FISHING 



CHAPTER I. 



"Come ye after me, and I will make you fishers of 
men." — Jesus. 

Gospel fishing! 

What is it? 

Just what the words of the text imply — 



fishing for men, i. e., consecrated effort by per- 
sonal work to bring the lost to Jesus Christ. 
It is the practice of Christianity. 

Who should do it? 

Disciples — followers of Christ. Soul win- 
ning is the work that every Christian is called 
to do. We are to follow Christ in definite 
service — to be "fishers of men." 

Some one has said : "The number of un- 
saved people on the earth to-day who will be 
saved, depends upon the faithfulness of those 
who are already saved." Have you entered 
into this life saving service? Are you doing 



io GOSPEL FISHING 



your part in helping to win a lost world to 
Jesus Christ? Think upon Jas. 4: 17. 

Personal work is commanded. 

Jesus says : "Go ye into all the world and 
preach the gospel to the whole creation." — 
Mark 16:15. 

This can only be accomplished through the 
personal worker. The world will not come to 
the church for the gospel, therefore, the 
church is commissioned to carry the gospel to 
the whole creation — "every creature'" (A. V.). 

It is not enough that we attend church ; 
sing, "Rescue the Perishing" ; listen to a good 
sermon on the subject, and then contribute 
a little money to help some one else do the 
work. See Matt. 7:21-27; Jas. 1:22. We are 
saved for service, and that service is gospel 
fishing. Matt. 4:19; Luke 6:46; Jno. 15:14. 

Where to fish. 

"The field is the world."— Matt. 13:38. 

Opportunities for personal work abound on 
every hand. Wherever we find men and 
women, there is a field for the gospel fisher- 
man. 

Jesus says : "Behold, I say unto you, Lift 
up your eyes, and look on the fields, that they 



GOSPEL FISHING n 

are white already unto harvest." — Jno. 4 : 35. 
Look! Lost souls are all about us. Do you 
see them — men and women without Christ, 
without hope, lost? The Lord is depending 
upon us to reach them with the gospel, and 
if we neglect them they will be lost eternally, 
and we shall be held accountable at the judg- 
ment. Ezek. 3 : 18, 19. Solemn thought. 



12 GOSPEL FISHING 



CHAPTER II. 
HOW TO FISH. 

You see the fish, but how to catch them is 
the question. The great difficulty is — how to 
begin. A few suggestions will be helpful. 

Let us suppose that you desire to do per- 
sonal work in a meeting. Approaching the 
person with v/hom you wish to deal, you will 
handle the matter something as follows. 

"Are you a Christian?" 

"No, I am not." 

"Then you have no hope in Christ — you 
are lost?" 

"Yes, I suppose so." 

"Well, my friend, that is serious. Are you 
willing to have it so — to be lost eternally?' 3 

"No. Of course not." 

"Then you want to be saved — to become 
a Christian?" 

"Yes. What must I do?" 

Here is an ideal opportunity to lead a soul 
to Christ, and one which you will meet fre- 
quently in personal work. 



GOSPEL FISHING 13 



Do not take it for granted that the inquirer 
understands the plan of salvation, and that a 
word or two will be all that is necessary. 
Multitudes around us are utterly ignorant of 
God's plan for saving men. They need the 
gospel. It is your business to teach the truth. 
Be faithful. Don't hurrv. Take time to do 
thorough work. Eternal interests are at stake. 

Instruct the inquirer that he must 

1. Believe on Jesus Christ. 

Acts 16:31. 'Believe on the Lord Jesus, 
and thou shalt be saved/' 

2. Repent of his sins. 

Acts 17: 30. 'The times of ignorance there- 
fore God overlooked ; but now he commandeth 
men that they should all everywhere repent." 

Acts 3: 19. "Repent ye therefore, and turn 
again, that your sins may be blotted out, that 
so there may come seasons of refreshing from 
the presence of the Lord." 

3. Be baptized. 

Acts 2 : 38. "Repent ye, and be bap-tized 
every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ 
unto the remission of your sins ; and ye shall 
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." 

Mark 16 : 16. "He that believeth and is 



14 GOSPEL FISHING 






baptized shall be saved; but he that disbe- 
lieveth shall be condemned." 

When these passages have been read, ask : 

"Now, my friend, do you believe that Jesus 
Christ is the Son of God, and your Saviour?" 

"I do." 

"Do you, here and now, repent of, and turn 
from, your sins?" 

"I do." 

"Are you willing to obey the gospel and 
be baptized?" 

"I am." 

Then turn to Rom. 10:9. "If thou shalt 
confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and 
shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him 
from the dead, thou shalt be saved." 

When the verse has been read, ask : 
'Will you now go forward and confess 
Christ?" 

"I will." 

Take him forward at once and you have 
landed your fish. 

The reader will of course understand that 
the case here presented is illustrative and sug- 
gestive. It is given to suggest a method of 
work. All cases cannot be treated alike. 






GOSPEL FISHING 15 

Much will depend upon circumstances. But 
many cases may be handled in this simple 
manner. 

Remember that tjie way to learn how to 
do personal work is by doing it. Skill will 
come with experience. Man may teach you 
the theory, but you must put it to the test. 
''Practice makes perfect." Do not be afraid of 
mistakes and seeming failures, Make them 
stepping stones to success. 



16 GOSPEL FISHING 



CHAPTER III. 
BAIT AND HOW TO USE IT. 

We now come to suggestions for dealing 
with various classes. Let the worker beware 
of attempting to follow any cast iron rules in 
soul winning. One may have knowledge of 
a great variety of texts that are suitable for 
use in dealing with the different classes met 
with, but that alone is not sufficient. We 
must constantly look to God for needed wis- 
dom in our work. 

The first class we will consider are those 
who wish to postpone the matter. This is a 
large class, and when approached upon the 
subject of becoming Christians usually say, 
"No, not to-night" ; "I am not ready yet"; "I 
do not feel like it now," etc., etc. 

When dealing with one of this class, turn 
to 2 Cor. 6 : 2. "Behold, now is the acceptable 
time ; behold, now is the day of salvation." 

When the verse has been read, ask : 

"When does God say is 'the acceptable 
time'?" 






GOSPEL FISHING 17 



U\T _ ?J 



i. 



» . 



Now.' 

"And when does He say is 'the day of sal- 
vation' ?" 

"Now." 
'Then when may you be saved?" 

Hold to the question until the person an- 
swers, "Now." Then ask : 

Well, do you not want to be saved?" 
Yes — but, not now. I am not ready yet." 

Do not be discouraged by this seeming in- 
difference. Do not give up. Remind him that 
there is no certainty that he can be saved at 
another time ; that while to-day is the day of 
salvation, to-morrow may be the day of Judg- 
ment, and then it will be too late. Ask if he 
wxmld care to meet God in his present un- 
saved condition. 

Then turn to Prov. 29: 1. "He that being 
often reproved hardeneth his neck shall sud- 
denly be destroyed and that without rem- 
edy." 

Call attention to the fact that this verse 
speaks of those who have been often reproved, 
or warned, but who have ignored the warn- 
ings — which is doubtless true of the one with 






whom you are dealing. Then ask : 






((I 



a 



u 



18 GOSPEL FISHING 

'What does God say will happen to these 
people?" 

'They shall be destroyed." 
How?" 
'Suddenly." 

"And what will be the result?" 
"There will be no remedy." 
Remind him that this means to be lost 
eternally. Then ask : 

"Do you realize that life is uncertain — 
that you may be suddenly cut off?" 
"I do." 

"Then are you willing to be saved now?' 1 
If he still hesitates use Isa. 55 : 6. 
"Seek ye Jehovah while he may be found ; 
call ye upon him while he is near." 

Ask : "When does it say you should seek 
Jehovah ?" 

While he may be found." 
When is that"?" 
If necessary quote 2 Cor. 6 : 2. Emphasize 
the fact that while the Lord may be found 
now, the text suggests the thought that the 
time is coming when He cannot be found. 

Hold the person to the one thought of the 
importance of confessing Christ then and 



a- 



t(- 



GOSPEL FISHING 19 

there. Be patient, kind, courteous and thor- 
oughly in earnest. 

While it is true that not every case dealt 
with will give you the answers as here out- 
lined, it will be often possible to use many of 
these questions and get practically the same 
replies. 



20 GOSPEL FISHING 



CHAPTER IV. 
BAIT AND HOW TO USE IT—CONTINUED. 

Many sing: — 

"How firm a foundation, 
Ye saints of the Lord, 
Is laid for your faith 
In His excellent word." 

Yet how few really act as though they be- 
lieved it. 

We will now consider how to deal with 
those who are not sure that they are saved. 

Many professed Christians when asked if 
they are saved, will reply, "Well, I hope so," 
or "I hope I shall be by and by." Others will 
say, "Oh, no one can know that," or "I am 
leaving that with God," etc. They do not 
seem to realize that it is their privilege to 
know that their sins have been forgiven, and 
that they are saved. Let such consider Deut. 
29:29. 

"The secret things belong unto Jehovah 
our God ; but the things that are revealed be- 
long unto us and to our children forever." 






GOSPEL FISHIXG 21 

God has revealed in His word how we may 
be saved here and now, so that knowledge of 
the fact belongs to the child of God. 

Many are led to doubt that they are saved 
because they have never had the marked emo- 
tional experiences described by some. When 
dealing with one of this class the worker 
should first of all remind the person that evi- 
dence of the forgiveness of sins is not to be 
found in how we feel, but in what God says. 
Salvation is not a matter of feeling, but be- 
lieving and obeying the word of God. 

The trouble with many is that they misun- 
derstand the nature of forgiveness. They 
seem to think it some kind of an operation 
which takes place in the emotional nature of 
the believer, when in fact it takes place in the 
mind of God. 

The word of God declares men sinners, 
and in need of a Saviour, and that same word 
declares them pardoned — saved, upon compli- 
ance w r ith certain specified conditions. , 

Acts 10 : 43. "To him bear all the prophets 
witness, that through his name every one that 
believeth on him shall receive remission of 
sins." 



22 GOSPEL FISHING 



Acts 2 : 38. ''Repent ye, and be baptized 
every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ 
unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall 
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." 

When one has honestly complied with 
these plain conditions, Faith, Repentance and 
Baptism, he must believe that his sins are re- 
mitted — that he is saved, or accuse God of 
lying. 1 Jno. 5 : 10. "He that believeth not 
God hath made him a liar/' 

Having met the conditions, you are saved 
whether you feel it or not. Surely God's word 
may be relied upon. 

"But," some one may ask, "does not the 
Bible say, 'The Spirit himself beareth witness 
with our spirit, that we are children of God'?" 
Yes, but what is the witness of the Spirit? 
How does the Spirit bear witness? Is it by 
making us "feel" that we are saved? 

How do we know that the Spirit bears wit- 
ness? The Bible says so. The word of God is 
the testimony of the Spirit. Knowledge of the 
truth makes plain the way of salvation, and 
obedience to the truth results in cleansing 
from sin. Rom. 6: 17, 18. "But thanks be to 
God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye 



GOSPEL FISHING 23 

became obedient from the heart to that form 
of teaching whereunto ye were delivered ; and 
being made free from sin, ye became servants 
of righteousness. " 

1 Pet. 1 : 22. "Seeing ye have purified your 
souls in your obedience to the truth unto un- 
feigned love of the brethren, love one another 
from the heart fervently." 

The word of God is the assurance of our 
salvation. See 1 Jno. 5 : 9-13. 

Note. — Do not permit the one with whom 
you are dealing to be deceived by the as- 
sertion that faith alone is sufficient. Be faith- 
ful at this point. Instruct him that according 
to the word of God, to be free from sin, and 
receive' the Holy Spirit, we must not only 
hear and believe the truth — we must obey it. 
For this use Rom. 6: 17, 18'; Acts 5:32; Heb. 
5:9. 



24 GOSPEL FISHING 



CHAPTER V. 
BAIT AND HOW TO USE IT— CONTINUED. 

Many persons when invited to enter the 
Christian life, offer various reasons for not do- 
ing so. In this chapter we w T ill consider some 
of these excuses, and how to deal with them. 

"It is useless for me to try and live a Chris- 
tian life. I have tried and failed." 

The first thing to do is to endeavor to find 
out why they failed. The cause will often be 
found either in the failure to "show his colors/ 5 
i. e., — make open and constant confession of 
Christ, neglect of daily prayer and Bible study, 
or indifference to church attendance. It is at 
one of these poinfs that backsliding nearly al- 
ways has its beginnings. 

Emphasize the importance of faithfulness 
in these things in order to live 'the Christian 
life successfully. Say : "You cannot expect to 
grow in grace while habitually neglecting the 
appointed means of grace." 

Call attention to the following: 

Matt. 10 : 32, 33. "Every one therefore who 






GOSPEL FISHING 25 

shall confess me before men, him will I also 
confess before my Father who is in heaven. 
But whosoever shall deny me before men, him 
will I also deny before my Father who is in 
heaven." 

Heb. 4:16. "Let us therefore draw near 
with boldness unto the throne of grace, that 
we may receive mercy, and may find grace to 
help us in time of need." 

Acts 20 : 32. "And now I commend you to 
God, and to the word of his grace, which is 
able to build you up, and to give you the in- 
heritance among all them that are sanctified/ 1 

Heb. 10:24, 25. "And let us consider one 
another to provoke unto love and good works ; 
not forsaking our own assembling together, 
as the custom of some is, but exhorting one 
another : and so much the more, as ye see the 
day drawing nigh." 

Emphasize the following : 

Heb. 7 : 25. "Wherefore also he is able to 
save to the uttermost them that draw, near 
unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth 
to make intercession for them.'" 

2 Cor. 9 : 8. "And God is able to make all 
grace abound unto you ; that ye, having al- 



26 GOSPEL FISHING 

ways all sufficiency in everything, may abound 
unto every good work/' 

Jude 24. "Now unto him that is able to 
guard you from stumbling, and to set you 
before the presence of his glory without blem- 
ish in exceeding joy." 

Remind him that Christ is able to do this in 
his case, and ask if he is willing to trust him 
to do it. Urge an immediate confession of 
Christ and a new start in the Christian life. 
At this point it may be well to encourage him 
with Phil. 3:13, 14. 

"Brethren, I count not myself to have laid 
hold : but one thing I do, forgetting the things 
which are behind, and stretching forward to 
the things which are before, I press on toward 
the goal unto the prize of the high calling of 
God in Christ Jesus." 

"I don't feel like it." 

Many, many times will the personal worker 
meet with this. It is sometimes a real diffi- 
culty, but more often a mere excuse. Ask : 
"Well, suppose you never do feel like it, what 
then ?" Follow this with : "What kind of feel- 
ing do you think is necessary?" Remind him 
that we can not dictate to God; that He has 






GOSPEL FISHING 27 



made known the conditions upon which we 
may be saved, and that if we would be saved, 
we must do as he says. Show him that God 
does not demand "feeling," but Faith, Repent- 
ance and Obedience. For this use 

Acts 10:43. "To him bear all the prophets 
witness, that through his name every one that 
believeth on him shall receive remission of 



7) 

sins. 



Acts 2 : 38. "Repent ye, and be baptized 
every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ 
unto the remission of your sins ; and ve shall 
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." 

Heb. 5 : 9. "And having been made per- 
fect, he (Jesus) became unto all them that 
obey him the author of eternal salvation/' 

When these verses have been read, ask : 
"Do you really want to be saved?' 5 The an- 
swer will doubtless be, "Why, yes ; certainly." 
"Well, are you willing to be saved right now?' 3 
Explain that a desire for salvation, a determi- 
nation to forsake sin, and a willingness to 
obey the truth, are what the Scriptures de- 
mand. 

Show that "feeling" is a result of, not a 
condition of, salvation. For this use 






28 GOSPEL FISHING 

1 Pet. 1 : 8. "Whom not having seen ye 
love ; on whom, though now ye see him not, 
yet believing, ye rejoice greatly with joy un- 
speakable and full of glory." 

Gal. 5 : 22, 23. "But the fruit of the Spirit 
is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, 
goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control.' 3 

Remind him that he cannot expect to have 
"the fruit of the Spirit" before he has the 
Spirit, and show him that God gives the Spirit 
to them that obev Him. 

Acts 5 : 32. "And we are witnesses of these 
things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God 
hath given to them that obey him." 

"I guess I am a hopeless case." 

Meet this with the question : "Why are you 
a hopeless case? What makes you think so?" 
Perhaps the answer will be : "Oh, I am too 
great a sinner. I am lost." The following 
verses just meet this difficulty. . 

1 Tim. 1:15. "Faithful is the saving, and 
worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus 
came into the world to save sinners." 

Luke 19 : 10. "The Son of man came to 
seek and to save that which was lost." 

When the verses have been read, ask: 



GOSPEL FISHING 29 

''What do these passages say that Jesus Christ 
came to do?" "He came to save sinners — to 
save the lost." 'Well, you confess that you 
are a sinner — 'that }^ou are lost, so he came 
to save you. Now then, are you willing to be 
saved here and now?'' If necessary follow 
this with Jno. 6 : 37. 

: 'Him that cometh to me I will in no wise 
cast out." 

Heb. 7 : 25 may also be useful. 

"The church is full of hypocrites." 

In dealing with one who presents this ar- 
gument show him that Jesus says 

Jno. 21:22. " What is that to thee? Fol- 
low thou me." 

It may be helpful to quote the following: 

"Dare to be right! dare to be true! 
Other men's failings will never save you." 

Remind the person that he is being invited 
to follow Christ — not hypocrites; that his ex- 
cuse of hypocrites in the church is really not 
the true reason for his refusal to become a 
Christian; that he is surrounded by these 
same hypocrites daily, and that he willingly 
enters into fraternal, commercial and social 






3 o GOSPEL FISHING 

relations with them ; that to be consistent he 
should discontinue this at once. 

Ask him if he does not honestly believe 
that he ought to be a Christian — that he would 
be a better man as a follower of Christ. If 
he admits that this is so, ask him why he does 
not do so ; if it is because he lacks the courage 
of his convictions. Remind him that his fail- 
ure to do what he know r s he ought to do, is 
the very thing that he is condemning in others. 
Then use Rom. 2:1. "Wherefore thou art 
without excuse, O man, whosoever thou art 
that judgest: for wherein thou judgest an- 
other, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that 
judgest dost practice the same things/' 

Another way to deal w T ith this class is to 
show the person that he will not be held ac- 
countable for the sins of others, but must give 
account of himself. For this use 

Rom. 14: 12. "So then each one of us shall 
give account of himself to God." 

Then ask him if he is read}^ and willing to 
do this. Urge him to get ready then and there. 

"I am trying to do the best I can." 

When the person approached responds as 
above, you can say : "Then you are surely a 



GOSPEL FISHING 31 



Christian, for the best you can do is to follow 
Jesus Christ. Are you doing this?" "Well, 
no; perhaps not. But I think I am all right, 
any way.' 3 Now use 

Prov. 14 : 12. "There is a way which seem- 
eth right unto a man ; but the end thereof are 
the ways of death." 

Remind him that he may think he is all 
right when in reality he is all wrong. Call 
attention to Heb. 11:6. "Without faith it is 
impossible to be well pleasing unto him 
(God)." 

Show him that his works without faith are 
of no avail ; that he is deceiving himself by 
thinking he is doing the best he can while re- 
jecting Jesus Christ; that without Christ he 
is without hope. Show him the utter folly 
of expecting to be saved while persisting in 
his present course. Use 

Matt. 12 : 30. "He that is not with me is 
against me." 

1 Cor. 6 : 9. "Know ye not that the un- 
righteous shall not inherit the kingdom of 
God?" 

Matt. 18 : 3. "Verily I say unto you, Ex- 
cept ye turn, and become as little children, ye 



32 GOSPEL FISHING 

shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of 
heaven." 

Jno. 3 : 5. "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 
except one be born of water and the Spirit, 
he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." 



I 






GOSPEL FISHING 33 



CHAPTER VI. 

BAIT AND HOW TO USE IT— CONTINUED. 

"I don't think it is necessary to be bap- 
tized." 

Remind him that it is not what he thinks, 
but what God says, that is most important ; 
that he cannot afford to permit prejudice to 
keep him out of the kingdom of God. Call at- 
tention to Jno. 3:5. "Verily, verily, I say 
unto thee, Except one be born of water and 
the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of 
God." 

Show that baptism is a part of the gospel 
and is commanded by Jesus Christ. 

Matt. 28: 19. 'Go ye therefore, and make 
disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into 
the name of the Father and of the Son and of 
the Holy Spirit." 

Baptism is for the remission of sins. 

Acts 2 : 38. "Repent ye, and be baptized 
every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ 
unto the remission of your sins ; and ye shall 
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." 



34 GOSPEL FISHING 

Baptism has to do with our salvation. 

Mark 16:16. 'He that believeth and is 
baptized shall be saved; but he that disbe- 
lieveth shall be condemned/' 

Emphasize that baptism is an act of faith 
which places us "in Christ/' that we might 
obtain the salvation which is "in Christ Jesus/ 5 
For this use Gal. 3 : 26, 27 and 2 Tim. 2 : 10. 
Show that while it is the blood of Christ that 
cleanses us from sin, the blood is in his death, 
and in order to reach the blood, "we are bap- 
tized into his death/ 5 that we might receive re- 
mission of sins, and be. saved. Use 1 Jno. 1: 
7; Rom. 6:3, 17, 18. Then call attention to 
the fact that Jesus Christ becomes the author 
of salvation only to those that obey him. 
Heb. 5:9. 

"I am not especially interested in the sub- 
ject/' 

Ask: "And why not? Do you not think 
the subject of sufficient importance?' 5 "Oh, 
well, I am not so bad. I am a good deal better 
than a lot of people. You had better get after 
them." Now use Rom. 14 : 4. "Who art thou 
that judgest the servant of another? to his 
own lord he standeth or falleth/ 5 






GOSPEL FISHING 35 

Then show him that without Christ there 
is "no distinction" ; that even if he is better 
than some people, that of itself does not make 
him what he ought to be ; that as God views 
the matter he is a sinner, and in need of salva- 
tion. Use Rom. 3 : 22, 23. 

Another good passage in dealing with one 
of this class is the following. 

Matt. 22:37, 38. "Thou shalt love the 
Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all 
thy soul, and w T ith all thy mind. This is the 
great and first commandment." 

When this passage has been read, ask if he 
has done this, and w T hen he admits that he has 
not, remind him that he has broken God's 
greatest commandment, and must therefore be 
a great sinner in His sight. 

Then use Jno. 3 : 36. "He that believeth on 
the Son hath eternal life ; but he that obeyeth 
not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath 
of God abideth on him." 

Ask him if he understands the plan of sal- 
vation, i. e., — what he must do to be saved. 
If necessarv instruct him. Then show what 
the result will be if he persists in his impeni- 



36 



GOSPEL FISHING 



tence and disobedience. For this use Rom. 
2 : 4-6 and 2 Thess. 1 : 7-9. 

"I am not good enough to be a Christian." 

If he adds that the reason he thinks so is 
because he is a sinner, show him that instead 
of that being a barrier, it makes him a proper 
subject for the great salvation. Use 

Rom. 5:6, 8. "For while we were yet 
weak, in due season Christ died for the un- 
godly. But God commendeth his own love to- 
ward us, in that, while w T e were yet sinners, 
Christ died for us." 

1 Pet. 3 : 18. "Christ also suffered for sins 
once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that 
he might bring us to God." 

Matt. 9: 12, 13. "They that are whole have 
no need of a physician, but they that are sick. 
But go ye and learn what this meaneth, I de- 
sire mercy, and not sacrifice : for I came not 
to call the riehteous, but sinners." 

Remind him that we do ■ not receive 
heaven's blessings on the ground of our worth- 
iness, but because of what Christ has done for 
us. Show him that when on earth, Christ re- 
ceived sinners; that he is the same to-day, and 
will receive all who will come to him. For 



GOSPEL FISHING 37 

this use Luke 15:2; Heb. 13:8; Jno. 6:37. 
Ask if he really wants to be a Christian. Then 
show the necessary steps, and invite him to 
take them at once. 

"My business will not permit me to be a 
Christian." 

Ask him why? Suggest that if such is 
really the case he had better get out of it at 
once — that he cannot afford to jeopardize his 
eternal future for a few dollars. Then use 
Mark 8 : 36, 37. 

"For what doth it profit a man, to gain the 
whole world, and forfeit his life? For what 
should a man give in exchange for his life?' 3 

Follow this with Prov. 22:1. "A good 
name is rather to be chosen than great riches, 
And loving favor rather than silver and gold/ 5 

Show him that what God requires is in 
strict accord with sound business principles. 
For this use Micah 6 : 8. "He hath showed 
thee, O man, what is good ; and what doth 
Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and 
to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy 
God?" 

The following may also be useful. 

Eccl. 5 : 10, "He that loveth silver shall 



38 



GOSPEL FISHING 



not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth 
abundance, with increase." 

Jer. 9 : 23, 24. "Thus saith Jehovah, Let 
not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither 
let the mighty man glory in his might, let not 
the rich man glory in his riches ; but let him 
that glorieth glory in this, that he hath under- 
standing, and knoweth me, that I am Jehovah 
who exerciseth lovingkindness, justice, and 
righteousness, in the earth : for in these things 
I delight, saith Jehovah." 

Jer. 17:11. "As the partridge that sitteth 
on eggs which she hath not laid, so is he that 
getteth riches, and not by right ; in the midst 
of his days they shall leave him, and at his 
end he shall be a fool." 

Matt. 6 : 33. "But seek ye first his king- 
dom, and his righteousness ; and all these 
things shall be added unto you." 

Mark 10:29, 30. "Verily I say unto you, 
There is no man that hath left house, or breth- 
ren, or sisters, or mother, or father, or chil- 
dren, or lands, for my sake, and for the 
gospel's sake, but he shall receive a hundred- 
fold now in this time, houses, and brethren, 
and sisters, and mothers, and children, and 



GOSPEL FISHING 39 



lands, with persecutions ; and in the world to 
come eternal life." 

"The Bible is a lot of foolishness. I can- 
not understand it." 

Say : "I think I can show you why you do 
not understand it," and call attention to the 
following passages. Dan. 12 : 10. "Many shall 
purify themselves (see 1 Pet. 1 : 22), and make 
themselves white, and be refined ; but the 
wicked shall do wickedly : and none of the 
wicked shall understand ; but they that are 
wise shall understand." 

1 Cor. 2 : 14. "Now the natural man re- 
ceiveth not the things of the Spirit of God : 
for they are foolishness unto him ; and he can- 
not know them, because they are spiritually 
judged." 

Remind him that while there may be much 
in the Bible that he does not understand, the 
way of salvation is made so plain that he need 
not go astray. Then turn to Acts 10 : 43 ; 2 : 
38; Heb. 5:9. After reading these, ask if he 
understands them. He will doubtless reply 
that he does ; then ask him if he is willing to 
obey them. Show him that if he would under- 



40 GOSPEL FISHING 

stand more, he must live up to the light he 
already has. Use Jno. 7: 17. 

"If any man willeth to do his will, he shall 
know of the teaching, whether it is of God, 
or whether I speak from myself." 

If he hesitates, shows unwillingness to 
obey the truth, and offers some excuse for de- 
laying the matter, suggest that, after all, the 
reason that he has given for not becoming a 
Christian is not the true one. 



GOSPEL FISHING 41. 



CHAPTER VII. 
BAIT AND HOW TO USE IT— CONTINUED. 
"My folks would make it unpleasant for 



me." 



Suggest that he may possibly be mistaken 
about this, but even though such really be the 
case he should not hesitate to do what he be- 
lieves to be right. Remind him that by taking 
a stand for Christ and his cause, he may be 
able, later on, to lead his family to the Saviour. 
Call attention to the following: 

Acts 5 : 29. "We must obey God rather 
than men." 

Ps. 27 : 10. "When my father and my 
mother forsake me, Then Jehovah will take 
me up." 

Matt. 10 : 36. "And a man's foes shall be 
they of his own household." 

2 Tim. 3 : 12. "Yea, and all that would 
live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer perse- 
cution." 

Show that while the Christian is often per- 
secuted, sometimes bitterly and persistently, 



42 GOSPEL FISHING 

the Christian life is not a hard one. For this 
use 

Prov. 4: 18. "The path of the righteous is 
as the dawning light, that shineth more and 
more unto the perfect day." 

1 Pet. 1 : 8. "Whom not having seen ye 
love : on whom, though now ye see him not, 
yet believing, ye rejoice greatly with joy un- 
speakable and full of glory." 

Then call attention to 

Matt. 5:11, 12. "Blessed are ye when men 
shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say 
all manner of evil against you falsely, for my 
sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for 
great is your reward in heaven : for so per- 
secuted they the prophets that were before 
you." 

Also 1 Pet. 4: 12-16; 2 Tim. 2: 12; Rom. 8: 
18. 

"Perhaps I am not one of the elect." 

Tell him that he need not let the doctrine 
of "election" trouble him ; that the thing for 
him to concern himself about is his salvation. 
Invite his attention to what the Bible says 
upon that subject. Show him that God is no 
respecter of persons, that He loves the whole 



GOSPEL FISHING 43 

world, and is not willing that any should 
perish. For this use 

Acts 10 : 34, 35, 43. "Of a truth I perceive 
that God is no respecter of persons : but in 
every nation he that feareth him, and worketh 
righteousness, is acceptable to him. To him 
bear all the prophets witness, that through his 
name every one that believeth on him shall 
receive remission of sins." 

Jno. 3 : 16. "For God so loved the world, 
that he gave his only begotten Son, that who- 
soever believeth on him should not perish, 
but have eternal life." 

2 Pet. 3 : 9 and 1 Tim. 2 : 3, 4 will be useful 
also. 

Show that if any one is finally lost it will 
not be because God was unwilling to save 
them, but because they were not ready and 
willing to be saved. Read Prow 1 : 23-31. Also 
Rom. 10: 12, 13 and Rev. 22: 17. Urge a de- 
cision for Christ then and there. Jno. 6 : 37 — 
last portion may be helpful. 

"I would have to give up too many of my 
friends." 

Remind him that if his friends would for- 
sake him for doing w T hat w T as right, they are 



44 GOSPEL FISHING 

not the kind that are desirable. Tell him that 
he cannot afford to court the friendship of the 
world if it will make him the enemy of God. 

Jas. 4:4. "Ye adulteresses, know ye not 
that the friendship of the world is enmity with 
God? Whosoever therefore would be a friend 
of the world maketh himself an enemy of 
God." 

Show him that if he will accept Christ as 
his Friend and Saviour, he will give him 
strength to sever all ungodly associations. 

Phil. 4:13. "I can do all things in him 
that strengtheneth me." 

Then show him what he will gain by such a 
choice. 

1 Jno. 1 : 3. "That which we have seen and 
heard declare we unto you also, that ye also 
may have fellowship with us : yea, and our 
fellowship is with the Father, and with his 
Son Jesus Christ." 

The following may be useful, also. Prov. 
13:20; 18:24; Ps. 1:1-3. 

"I don't believe that God cares for me." 

Ask : "How may we know whether or not 
any one cares for us?" He will very likely 
answer, "By the way they act toward us ; by 






GOSPEL FISHING 45 

what they do for us." Then say : " You are 
right. And that is the way we learn that God 
cares for us." 

Show that God cares for all 'the world — 
everybody, and that this must include him. 

Jno. 3 : 16. "For God so loved the world, 
that he gave his only begotten Son, that who- 
soever believeth on him should not perish, but 
have eternal life." 

Follow this with Rom. 5 : 8. "But God 
commendeth his own love toward us, in that, 
while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." 

When this verse has been read, ask : "Do 
you not consider this good evidence that God 
cares for you?" If necessary, call attention to- 
the last portion of 1 Pet. 5 : 7. "He careth for 
you." These passages should be sufficient to 
banish all doubts, and convince him that God 
does care. 

"I have been baptized, so I guess I am alL 
right." 

There are too many resting at this point. 
They do not seem to realize that baptism is a 
means to an end, rather than the end itself. 
Emphasize that while baptism is all right as 
far as it goes, it does not end the matter ; that 



46 GOSPEL FISHING 

to stop at baptism is to "die" soon after being 
"born." 

Show him that having been baptized, he 
is to live a faithful, prayerful and consistent 
Christian life. For this use the following. 

Rom. 6 : 4. "We were buried therefore 
with him through baptism into death : that 
like as Christ was raised from the dead 
through the glory of the Father, so we also 
might walk in newness of life." 

Col. 3:1, 2. "If then ye were raised to- 
gether with Christ, seek the things that are 
above, where Christ is, seated on the right 
hand of God. Set your mind on the things 
that are above, not on the things that are upon 
the earth." 

Also 2 Pet. 1 : 5-11 ; 1 Thess. 5 : 16-22 ; Matt. 
7:21-23; Jas. 1:22. 

"My associates would laugh at me." 

And some folks find it a hard matter to 
stand being laughed at. 

You. might suggest to the one offering this 
excuse that being laughed at is,' after all, 
nothing very serious ; that it can do us no real 
harm; that when one is in the right he can 
-well afford to be laughed at; that he who 



GOSPEL FISHING 47 

laughs last, laughs best. Remember the words 
of our school days : 

"Sticks and stones will break my bones, 
But names will never hurt me." 

Then use 

Jer. 1:8. "Be not afraid because of them: 
for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith Jeho- 
vah." 

Josh. 1:9. "Have not I commanded thee? 
Be strong and of good courage ; be not af- 
frighted, neither be thou dismayed : for Jeho- 
vah thy God is with thee whithersoever thou 
goest." 

Prov. 29 : 25. "The fear of man bringeth a 
snare; But whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah 
shall be safe." 

If necessary call attention to the following. 
Ps. 1:1-3; Isa. 41:10; Matt. 5:11, 12; Mark 
8 : 38 ; Luke 9 : 23 ; Jno. 12 : 42, 43. 

"God is unreasonable. He asks too much." 

Ask : 'What is it that God requires that 
you think unreasonable?" This direct ques- 
tion may rather embarrass him, and perhaps 
he will refuse to make a definite reply. 

Proceed to show him what it is that God 
does require of us. Use 



48 GOSPEL FISHING 

Micah 6 : 8. "He hath showed thee, O man, 
what is good; and what doth Jehovah require 
of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, 
and to walk humbly with thy God?" 

Then ask : "Do you see anything unreason- 
able about this?" Then use 

Ps. 84: 11. "For Jehovah God is a sun and 
a shield : Jehovah will give grace and glory : 
No good thing will he withhold from them 
that walk uprightly." 

Rom. 8 : 32. "He that spared not his own 
Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall 
he not also with him freely give us all things?" 

1 Jno. 5 : 3. "For this is the love of God, 
that w r e keep his commandments : and his com- 
mandments are not grievous." 

Ezek. 33:11. "Say unto them, As I live, 
saith the Lord Jehovah, I have no pleasure in 
the death of the wicked ; but that the wicked 
turn from his way and live : turn ye, turn ye 
from your evil ways; for why "will ye die, O 
house of Israel?" 

John 5 : 40. "And ye will not come to me, 
that ye may have life." 

These passages will suggest their proper 
treatment. 






■ GOSPEL FISHING 49 

"I have had trouble with some one and 
can never forgive them." 

Meet this with Matt. 6: 15. "But if ye for- 
give not men their trespasses, neither will 
your Father forgive your trespasses." 

This verse shows that unless he is willing 
to forgive, God will not forgive him. Em- 
phasize that while he persists in such a course 
it leaves him absolutely without hope of salva- 
tion, which is a serious matter. 

Next show what God would have him do. 

Matt. 5 : 43-45. "Ye have heard that it was 
said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate 
thine enemy : but I say unto you, Love your 
enemies, and pray for them that persecute 
you ; that ye may be sons of your Father who 
is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on 
the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the 
just and the unjust." 

Eph. 4:31, 32. "Let all bitterness, and 
wrath, and anger, and clamor, and railing, be 
put away from you, with all malice : and be ye 
kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving 
each other, even as God also in Christ forgave 
you." 

If he declares this to be an impossibility 



50 GOSPEL FISHING 

— . j_ 

in his case assure him that it is possible 
through Jesus Christ. 

Phil. 4: 13. "I can do all things in him that 
strengthened me." 

Ask if he is willing to let the trouble rob 
him of eternal life. 

1 Jno. 3:15. "Whosoever hateth his brother 
is a murderer : and ye know that no murderer 
hath eternal life abiding in him." 

Remind him of his own treatment of God; 
ask if, after all, he has not been guilty of treat- 
ing God far worse than the person of whom 
he is complaining, has treated him. And yet, 
God is willing to forgive him. Urge him to 
forgive and be forgiven. 

"It will cost too much. There are some 
things I could never give up." 

Ask him which is of greater worth— a little 
pleasure, and a few worldly possessions here, 
or eternal life with all its joys hereafter. Use 
Luke 9 : 23-25. "And he said unto all, If any 
man would come after me, let him deny him- 
self, and take up his cross daily, and follow 
me. For whosoever would save his life shall 
lose it ; but whosoever shall lose his life for 
my sake, the same shall save it. For what is 



GOSPEL FISHING 51 

a man profited, if he gain the whole world, 
and lose or forfeit his own self?" 

Follow this with 1 Jno. 2: 15-17. 

Show him that what he will get is of far 
greater value than what he is called to give up. 

Ps. 84: 11. "For Jehovah God is a sun and 
a shield : Jehovah will give grace and glory : 
No good thing will he withhold from them 
that walk uprightly." 

Luke 18:28-30. "And Peter said, Lo, we 
have left our own and followed thee. And he 
said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There 
is no man that hath left house, or wife, or 
brethren, or parents, or children, for the king- 
dom of God's sake, who shall not receive man- 
ifold more in this time, and in the world to 
come eternal life." 



52 GOSPEL FISHING 



CHAPTER VIII. 
BAIT AND HOW TO USE IT— CONTINUED. 

Every ) r ear hundreds of revivals are held in 
this country, resulting in thousands of souls 
confessing Christ. Within a few months 
thereafter, according to reliable and conserva- 
tive estimates, about four out of every five 
have backslidden. 

And why is this? Some of the causes con- 
tributing to this are doubtless the following: 
A lack of proper instruction as to the gospel 
plan of salvation, and the duties of the Chris- 
tian life ; the many who without any real con- 
victims are "railroaded" through some kind 
of a formality, and then counted as converts ; 
others, especially young people, who yield to 
the over urging of zealous but unwise work- 
ers ; the craze for "numbers." 

By this we see that backsliders will consti- 
tute a large class among the many with whom 
the personal worker has to deal. 

First endeavor to find out if the person 
is really tired of his backsliding, and anxious 



GOSPEL FISHING 53 

to return to the Lord. If such appears to be 
the case, use the following. Isa. 55:7. 'Let 
the wicked forsake his way, and the unright- 
eous man his thoughts; and let him return 
unto Jehovah, and he will have mercy upon 
him ; and to our God, for he w r ill abundantly 
pardon." 

Jno. 6 : 37. "Him that cometh to me I will 
in no w T ise cast out." 

Acts 8 : 22 states the conditions of restora- 
tion, viz. — -repentance and prayer. 

Some backsliders while having a desire to 
return to the Lord, are fearful that He is un- 
willing to receive and restore them. 

When dealing with one of this class, show 
God's attitude towards the backslider. Use 

Hos. 14 : 2, 4. "Take with you words, and 
return unto Jehovah : say unto him, Take 
away all iniquity, and accept that which is 
good : so will we render as bullocks the offer- 
ing of our lips. I will heal their backsliding, I 
will love them freely ; for mine anger is turned 
away from him." 

Remind him that God is not a tyrant who 
gloats over the failures and shortcomings of 
His creatures ; that while He hates sin, He 



54 GOSPEL FISHING 

loves the sinner, and wants to save him. Then 
use 

Prov. 28: 13. "He that covereth his trans- 
gressions shall not prosper; But whoso con- 
fesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain 
mercy." 

Isa. 43 : 25. "I, even I, am he that blotteth 
out thy transgressions for mine own sake ; and 
I will not remember thy sins." 

Also Jer. 3 : 12-14 ; 1 Jno. 1 : 9 ; 2 : 1, 2 ; Ps. 
32 : 5. 

Then there are the stubborn and rebellious 
who persist in their backsliding, showing 
little or no desire to return. The following 
passages are best to use with such cases. 

Jer. 2 : 19. "Thine own wickedness shall 
correct thee, and thy backslidings shall re- 
prove thee : know therefore and see that it is 
an evil thing and a bitter, that thou hast 
forsaken Jehovah thy God, and that my 
fear is not in thee, saith the Lord, Jehovah 
of hosts." 

Ask if this verse does not describe his con- 
dition exactly. If he would but admit it, it is 
more than likely that he has already experi- 
enced the truth of the passage. Then use 



GOSPEL FISHING 55 

Prov. 1:24, 26, 28; Zech. 7:11, 12; 2 Thess. 
2:11, 12; 2 Pet. 2:20-22; Luke 11:24-26. 

Should the personal worker come in con- 
tact with spiritualists, the following passages 
will be of use. 

Spiritualists may claim to believe the Bible, 
and insist that it records the facts of spiritual- 
ism. To this you can reply that while the 
Bible may acknowledge that spiritualism is 
a fact, it does so to expose it as the work of 
the devil, and condemn it. Call attention to 

Lev. 19:31. "Turn ye not unto them that 
have familiar spirits, nor unto the wizards ; 
seek them not out, to be denied by them : I 
am Jehovah your God/' 

Should the person refer you to Saul's ex- 
perience with the witch of Endor, 1 Sam. 28 : 
11-20, turn to 1 Chron. 10:13, 14, which re- 
cords the result of Saul's visit to the "me- 
dium." 

"So Saul died for his trespass which he 
committed against Jehovah, because of the 
word of Jehovah, which he kept not ; and also 
for that he asked counsel of one that had a 
familiar spirit, to inquire thereby, and inquired 
not of Jehovah : therefore he slew him, and 



56 GOSPEL FISHING 



turned the kingdom unto David the son of 

J?? 
esse. 

Follow this with Deut. 18:10-12. "There 
shall not be found with thee any one that 
maketh his son or his daughter to pass 
through the fire, one that useth divination, one 
that practiseth augury, or a charmer, or a con- 
suiter with a familiar spirit, or a wizard, or a 



necromancer/' 



Lev. 20 : 6, 27. "And the soul that turneth 
unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto 
the wizards, to play the harlot after them, I 
will even set my face against that soul, and 
will cut him off from among his people. A 
man also or a woman that hath a familiar 
spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put 
to death: thev shall stone them with stones ; 
their blood shall be upon them." 

These passages show what God thinks of 
spiritualists and spiritualism. 

Christian Scientists are another class fre- 
quently met with. When dealing with one of 
these, bear in mind that they deny the reality 
of matter. Ask if this is not so, and then turn 
to 1 Jno. 4 : 1-3. Call attention to the fact 
that to deny the reality of matter is to deny 



GOSPEL FISHING 57 



that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh, and 
this passage states plainly that one teaching 
such a doctrine is not of God. 

Christian Science denies the reality of sin, 
sickness and death. The Bible recognizes all 
three and treats them as stern realities. See 
Eccl. 7:20; Rom. 3:23; 1 Jno. 1:8, 10; Matt. 
4:23; 10:1; Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 6:23; 1 Cor. 
IS : 22. 

This system also denies that there is a per- 
sonal devil, which contradicts the plain Scrip- 
ture record. Job 1:6; 2:1; 1 Jno. 3:8; Heb. 
2: 14; Matt. 4: 3-10. It also teaches that there 
is no personal God — that He is principle, not 
person. See Gen. 3:8; Heb. 1:1-3; Col. 1: 
15; Phil. 2:6. 

The mere fact that the curing of disease 
is claimed by Christian Scientists is no 
proof that it is of God. Note Matt. 7 : 22, 
23. See also 2 Cor. 11:14, 15 and 2 Thess. 
2:8,9. 

Paul exhorts us to "Prove all things ; hold 
fast that which is good." 1 Thess. 5:21. 
When brought to the test of the word of God, 
Christian Science is proven both unchristian, 
and anti-christian, and, therefore, should be 



58 GOSPEL FISHING 



rejected by every true child of God. Consider 
1 Tim. 4:1; 6: 3-5, 20. 

The unpardonable sin. 

Many are troubled and made wretched by 
the fear that they may have committed this 
sin. When meeting with one of this class 
show them what the unpardonable sin is. 

For this purpose use Matt. 12:31, 32 and 
Mark 3 : 22-30. From the latter passage it is 
plain that the unpardonable sin, or sin against 
the Holy Spirit, is ascribing the mighty works 
of Jesus Christ through the Spirit, to the devil 
and the powers of evil. 

Another passage that torments many is 
Heb. 6 : 4-6, as it stands in the Authorized or 
Common (King James) Version. A careful 
reading of the passage in the American Stand- 
ard Version, will remove the seeming diffi- 
culty. 

"For as touching those who were once en- 
lightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and 
were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and 
tasted the good word of God, and the powers 
of the age to come, and then fell away, it is 
impossible to renew them again unto repent- 
ance : the while (margin) they crucify to 



GOSPEL FISHING 59 

themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him 
to an open shame." 

This shows clearly the meaning of the 
passage, viz. — that it is impossible to renew 
them again unto repentance "the while" they 
crucify the Son of God afresh, or remain in 
their unrepentant state. If they will stop sin- 
ning and repent, God will restore them. 



6o GOSPEL FISHING 



CHAPTER IX. 
BAIT AND HOW TO USE IT— CONTINUED. 

Useful passages for dealing with Christians 
in various circumstances. 

1. Those undergoing trial and temptation. 
Isa. 41:10; 1 Cor. 10:13; 2 Cor. 1:3, 4; 

Heb. 2: 18; 4: 15, 16; Jas. 1:2-4, 12; 1 Pet. 5: 
8-10; 2 Pet. 2:9. 

2. Those passing through affliction. 

Ps. 34 : 7, 15, 17, 19 ; 46 : 10 ; Isa. 66 : 1.3 ; Jno. 
14: 18; Rom. 8: 18, 28; 2 Cor. 4: 17, 18; 1 Pet. 
1 : 3-9. 

3. Those undergoing persecution. 

Matt. 5:10-12; Rom. 8:18; Phil. 1:29; 2 
Tim. 2:12; 3:12; 1 Pet. 2:20; 3:20-23. 

4. Those neglecting their religious duties. 
Eccl. 5:10; Matt. 6 : 24, 33 ; Mark 8 : 36, 37 ; 

Luke 12:15; 1 Tim. 6:9, 10; Jas. 4:17. 

5. Those not giving to the work as they 
chould. 

Prov. 3:9; 19:17; Eccl. 5:13; Matt. 10: 
8 — last portion ; 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 8 : 12. 

6. Those inclined to "gossip." 



GOSPEL FISHING 61 

Prov. 17:9; 21:23; Matt. 12:36, 37; Jas. 
1:26; 1 Pet. 3: 10. 

7. Those neglecting prayer. 

Isa. 59:2; 65:18, 24; Jer. 33:3; Matt. 7: 
7 ; Luke 18 : 1 ; 1 Thess. 5:17; 1 Tim. 2:8; Jas. 
4:2, 3; 1 Pet. 3: 12. 

8. Those neglecting Bible study. 

Ps. 119:11, 105; Jno. 5:38, 39; Acts 17:11; 
20:32; Col. 3: 16; 2 Tim. 2:15. 

9. Those who sorrow because of death. 
Isa. 43:2; Jno. 13:7; 14:18; Rom. 8:28; 

1 Thess. 4 : 13-18 ; Rev. 21 : 1-4. 

10. Those who are inactive. 

Matt. 7:21-23; Mark 16:15; 1 Cor. 15:58; 
Gal. 6:9, 10 ; Jas. 1 : 22 ; Dan. 12 : 3. 

11. Those in adversity. 

Job 23:10; Ps. 37:5, 11; Prov. 10:22; 
Eccl. 4:6; 7: 14; 1 Tim. 6:6. 

The circumstances will indicate the Scrip- 
ture required to meet the special needs of the 
case ; and the passage selected will in itself 
suggest its proper treatment. 

"IN CHRIST/' 

The phrase "in Christ" is to be found fre- 
quently in the writings of the Apostle Paul, 



62 GOSPEL FISHING 

and means far more than many people appear 
to realize. 

We should remember that it makes a great 
difference as to whether or not we are "in 
Christ/' Let the reader take his New Testa- 
ment and sit down for a prayerful considera- 
tion of the following "in Christ" passages. 
Rom. 3 : 24 ; 8 : 1 ; 12 : 5 ; 1 Cor. 1 : 1, 30 ; 2 Cor. 
1:21; 2:14; 5:17; Eph. 1:3; Phil. 1:1; Col. 
1:2, 28; 2 Tim. 1:1; 2:10; 3:12. 

Now note this : According to the New Tes- 
tament there is but one way into Christ, and 
the enjoyment of these many blessings. 

Gal. 3 : 27. "For as many of you as were 
baptized into Christ did put on Christ." 



GOSPEL FISHING 63 



CHAPTER X. 
BAIT AND HOW TO USE IT— CONCLUDED. 

The personal worker will frequently come 
in contact with those who are skeptically in- 
clined. Some will even boast of their skep- 
ticism, and take pride in being known as 
skeptics, infidels, agnostics, unbelievers, etc. 
They are sinners, and should be treated as 
such. Let "the sword of the Spirit" be thrust 
in deep, that it may open the sore, and expose 
it with all its rottenness and corruption. 

Some of this class, however, are honest 
doubters, who are troubled by what appears 
to them, as insurmountable difficulties. These 
should be dealt with kindly and patiently, and 
always pointed to the word of God as being 
the true, and only remedy. 

We will divide skeptics under the follow- 
ing heads : 

1. "I don't believe there is a God." 

Ask: "And why not? Do you not see 
sufficient evidence on every hand to convince 
you of the existence of a Supreme Being? Can 



64 GOSPEL FISHING 

you honestly account for this world, and all 
that it contains, in any other way?" Call at- 
tention to 

Ps. 19:1, 2. "The heavens declare the 
glory of God ; And the firmament showeth his 
handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, 
And night unto night showeth knowledge." 

Ps. 8 : 1-3 and Rom. 1 : 19, 20 are also 
useful. Then if he persists in his statement 
turn to 

Ps. 14: 1. "The fool hath said in his heart, 
There is no God." 

Remind him that this is what God says 
about the man who declares that there is no 
God. 

2. "I don't believe the Bible is the word of 
God." 

Endeavor to learn just why he holds this 
attitude. Perhaps he will find k rather diffi- 
cult to give a reason worthy of serious con- 
sideration. Then call his attention to the 
following. 

1 Thess. 2:13. "And for this cause we 
also thank God without ceasing, that, when ye 
received from us the word of the message, 
even the word of God, ye accepted it not as 



GOSPEL FISHING 65 

the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the 
word of God, which also worketh in you that 
believe." 

2 Tim. 3 : 16. "Every scripture inspired of 
God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, 
for correction, for instruction which is in right- 



eousness." 



1 Jno. 5 : 10. "He that believeth on the 
Son of God hath the witness in him ; he that 
believeth not God hath made him a liar ; be- 
cause he hath not believed in the witness that 
God hath borne concerning his Sou." 

Prov. 13:13. "Whoso despiseth the word 
bringeth destruction on himself." 

Some people seem to think that when they 
say, "I don't believe it," that that disposes of 
the matter most effectually. Well, it may 
settle them in their unbelief, and be a factor 
in deciding their eternal destiny, but it does 
not change the truth of God. 

3. "I don't believe that Jesus Christ was 
divine." 

It might be a good idea to have him state 
just what he does believe about Christ, and 
why he does not believe in his divinity. Do 
not argue the matter. "Preach the word.' 5 









66 GOSPEL FISHING 

1 

That alone is of authority. Use the fol- 
lowing. 

Matt. 3 : 16, 17. "And Jesus, when he was 
baptized, went up straightway from the water : 
and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and 
he saw the Spirit of God descending as a 
dove, and coming upon him ; and lo, a voice 
out of the heavens, saying, This is my be- 
loved Son, in whom I am well pleased/ 5 

Jno. 4 : 25, 26. "The woman saith unto 
him, I know that Messiah cometh (he that is 
called Christ) : when he is come, he will de- 
clare unto us all things. Jesus saith unto her, 
I that speak unto thee am he." 

Jno. 17: 5. "And now, Father, glorify thou 
me with thine own self with the glory which 
I had with thee before the world was." 

1 Cor. 15:20. "But now hath Christ been 
raised from the dead, the first fruits of them 
that are asleep." 

Matt. 28:6. "He is not here; for he is 
risen, even as he said." 

Jno. 5 : 22, 23. "For neither doth the 
Father judge any man, but he hath given all 
judgment unto the Son ; that all may honor 
the Son, even as they honor the Father. He 



GOSPEL FISHING 67 

that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the 
Father that sent him." 

These passages make plain that Jesus is 
the Son of God, and was owned by Him as 
such ; that Jesus himself claimed to be the 
Messiah of prophecy — the Christ of God ; that 
he was with the Father in glory, before the 
world was ; that he was raised from death, as 
he had prophesied would be the case ; that 
he is to be honored even as the Father is 
honored ; and that he is finally to be our 
Judge. 

The following will be useful, also. Matt. 
17:1-5; Jno. 20:28; 1 Cor. 15:1-3; Col. 2:8, 
9; Phil. 2:9-11; Heb. 1:6, 8; 1 Jno. 2:22, 23. 

4. "I don't believe in future punishment." 

Remind him that the w r ord of God alone 
can definitely settle this matter. Use the fol- 
lowing. 

Rom. 11:21. "If God spared not the nat- 
ural branches, neither will he spare thee." 

Rom. 14: 12. "So then each one of us shall 
give account of himself to God." 

Prov. 11:21. "Though hand join in hand, 
the evil man shall not be unpunished." 

Ps. 11:6. "Upon the wicked he will rain 



68 • GOSPEL FISHING 

snares : Fire and brimstone and burning wind 
shall be the portion of their cup." 

Matt. 25:41, 46. "Then shall he say also 
unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, 
ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is pre- 
pared for the devil and his angels : And these 
shall go away into eternal punishment : but 
the righteous into eternal life." 

Rev. 21 : 8. "But for the fearful, and unbe- 
lieving, and abominable, and murderers, and 
fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and 
all liars, their part shall be in the lake that 
burneth with fire and brimstone ; which is the 
second death." 

Also Eccl. 12:14; Matt. 12:36; Rom. 6: 
23; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; 2 Pet. 2:4-10; Rev. 20: 
15; Heb. 2:3, 4. 

5. "I don't believe in a hereafter." 

First use Job 14 : 14. 

"If a man die, shall he live again?" 

Remind him that this has been. the question 
of the ages ; that man unaided cannot answer 
it; that we are dependent upon God's revela- 
tion to mankind, which is the Bible, for defi- 
nite and trustworthy information upon the 
subject. Then use 



GOSPEL FISHING 69 

Jno. 5 : 28, 29. "Marvel not at this : for the 
hour cometh, in which all that are in the 
tombs shall hear his voice, and shall come 
forth; they that have done good, unto the res- 
urrection of life ; and they that have done evil, 
unto the resurrection of judgment." 

Death does not end all. It is followed by 
resurrection, judgment and eternity. 

Matt. 25 : 31-34; Jno. 14: 1-3; 1 Cor. 15 : 50- 
55; 1 Thess. 4: 13-17 and Rev. 21 : 1-7 will be 
useful. 

6. "I want to know the truth, but — what is 
truth?" 

Turn to Jno. 17: 17. "Thy word is truth." 
Then call attention to Jno. 8 : 32. "And ye 
shall know the truth, and the truth shall make 
you free." 

_Ps. 119:105. "Thy w r ord is a lamp unto 
my feet, and light unto my path." 

Suggest that if he would convince himself 
as to what is really the truth, he should put it 
to the test, i. e., — follow the light he already 
has. Assure him that if he w T ill make an 
honest effort to do so, he will soon "know" 
to his entire satisfaction. Jno. 7: 17. "If any 
man willeth to do his will, he shall know of 



70 GOSPEL FISHING 

the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether 
I speak from myself." 

Show him the purpose of the sacred writ- 
ings. 

Jno. 20:31. "But these are written, that 
ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the 
Son of God ; and that believing ye may have 
life in his name." 

Suggest that he give the Gospel of John a 
careful reading to begin with. 






GOSPEL FISHING n 



DONT'S FOR WORKERS 



Don't scold. 

Don't argue. 

Don't be afraid. 

Don't get excited. 

Don't forget to pray. 

Don't be half-hearted. 

Don't get discouraged. 

Don't lose your temper. 

Don't make light of sin. 

Don't be "side tracked." 

Don't get the "big head." 

Don't let the devil "rattle" you. 

Don't be afraid to mark your Bible. 

Don't apologize for doing your duty. 

Don't interrupt a worker who is dealing 
with a soul. 

Don't forget that Jesus Christ is this 
world's only hope. 

Don't fail to use the word of God. It is 
better than yours. 



72 GOSPEL FISHING 



Don't forget that the gospel of Christ is 
still the power of God. 

Don't be rude. As a Christian it is your 
business to be Christ-like. 

Don't forget that now is the acceptable 
time. Tomorrow may be too late. 

Don't give up too soon. Hold on for 
victory. It may be that soul's last chance. 

Don't forget these "don'ts." 






GOSPEL FISHING 73 






THE USE OF TRACTS 



The value of good, gospel tracts as an ef- 
fective aid in soul winning, and the spread of 
gospel truth, can hardly be overestimated. 
Multitudes have been led to Christ through 
the testimony borne by these little preachers. 
Opportunities for their use are practically un- 
limited and, yet, how few of us realize that 
this is so. The Scriptures teach that we 
should "sow beside all waters," and this is a 
good way to do it. 

The distribution of tracts is a line of effort 
that every Christian may engage in. Those 
who are too shy and timid to undertake per- 
sonal work may here find an opportunity to 
sow "the seed" which "is the word of God," 
and thus do something for Christ that will 
yield a rich harvest of souls. 

Every Christian should carry an assort- 
ment of tracts with him. Be careful, however, 



74 GOSPEL FISHING 

to have the right kind. They should be short, 
pointed and Scriptural. 

Do not expect every tract to win a soul. 

Many bullets are wasted in a war. Scatter 
them freely and look to God to give results, 
for remember that He has said of His word : 

"It shall not return unto me void, but 
it shall accomplish that which I please, 
and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I 
sent it." 

We sow the seed : it is God who giveth the 
increase. Let us be faithful. 

Mark 8 : 38. "For whosoever shall be 
ashamed of me and of my words in this adul- 
terous and sinful generation, the Son of man 
also shall be ashamed of him, when he cometh 
in the glory of his Father with the holy 
angels." 

The following tracts have been written and 
published by the author of this book. 



WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED? 

READER, do you realize that this is the 
most important question in the world? You 
cannot afford to rest your hope of eternity 



GOSPEL FISHING 75 

upon what men say. Your eternal future de- 
pends upon a knowledge of the truth. A 
'Thus saith the Lord" is the only safe founda- 
tion. 

The BIBLE says: 

1. HEAR the Gospel. 

"Go ye into all the world, and preach the 
gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). 
"Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the 
word of God" (Rom. 10: 17). 

2. BELIEVE in Jesus Christ. 

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and 
thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31). Note: — 
Faith in Christ is essential to salvation, but 
faith alone is not sufficient. 

3. REPENT of your sins. 

"God now commandeth all men everywhere 
to repent" (Acts 17:30). "Repent ye there- 
fore, and be converted, that your sins may be 
blotted out" (Acts 3: 19). 

4. CONFESS CHRIST before men. 

"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the 
Lord Jesus and shalt believe in thine heart 
that God hath raised him from the dead, thou 
shalt be saved" (Rom. 10:9). "Whosoever 
therefore shall confess me before men him will 



76 GOSPEL FISHING 

I confess also before my Father which is in 
heaven" (Matt. 10:32). 

5. BE BAPTIZED. 

"Repent, and be baptized every one oi you 
in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission 
of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the 
Holy Ghost" (Acts 2 : 38). "He that believeth 
and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16: 16). 
"As many of you as have been baptized into 
Christ have put on Christ". (Gal. 3:27). Ex- 
cept a man be born of water and of the Spirit, 
he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" 
(John 3:5). 

If you want to be saved you must do as 
God says. There is no other way. 



CHURCH MEMBERSHIP. 






"Joining the church" is an unscriptural 
practice — the result of a mistaken idea about 
the church. 

I. What is the church? 

According to the Bible, the church is the 
body of Christ, and therefore, not a mere 
human organization, but a Divine Institution. 
"And (God) hath put all things under his feet, 



GOSPEL FISHING 77 

and gave him (Christ) to be the head over all 
things to the church, which is his body/' Epru 
1 : 22, 23. And note : "There is one body." 
Eph. 4 : 4. 

The Bible condemns divisions and the 
wearing of party names. "Now I beseech you, 
brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and 
that there be no divisions among you." 1 Cor. 
1:10-13. See also 1 Cor. 3:1-5; John 17:20, 
21. 

II. Church Membership. 

Who compose the church, or body of 
Christ? 

"Now ye (who? disciples — 'Christians. See 
Acts 11 : 26) are the body of Christ, and mem- 
bers in particular." 1 Cor. 12 : 27. And how 
do we become members of his body? Accord- 
ing to the Bible there is but one way into the 
one body. "As many of you as have been bap- 
tized into Christ have put on Christ/ 5 Gal. 3 : 
27. As we are "baptized into Christ," how can 
an unbaptized person be "in Christ" and a 
member of his body? And let us bear in mind 
that faith, repentance and confession are pre- 
requisites of baptism. See Acts 16:31; Mark 



/ 



8 GOSPEL FISHING 



16:16; Acts 17:30; 3:19; 2:38; Rom. 10:9; 
Matt. 10:32. 

The church of Christ is composed only of 
those who have heard, believed and obeyed 
the gospel of Christ. The same steps that 
make us Christians, make us members of the 
church, or body of Christ. 

Note : — "Receiving the right hand of fel- 
lowship" does not make one a member of the 
church of Christ. At most it is but an ex- 
pression of confidence, and a public acknowl- 
edgment that the person having met the Scrip- 
tural conditions, is already a member of the 
body of Christ, is thereby recognized as such, 
and welcomed to the fellowship of the local 
congregation, or bidden God-speed in Chris- ■ 
tian service. The Scriptural authority for the 
practice rests upon Gal. 2 : 9. 

"There is one body, and one Spirit, even 
as ye are called in one hope of your calling: 

"One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 

"One God and Father of all, who is above 
all, and through all, and in you all." Eph. 4: 
4-6. 



GOSPEL FISHING 79 

IS BAPTISM ESSENTIAL? 

"Take heed lest any man deceive you." — Mark 13 : 5, 

Some teach that baptism is a non-essential ; 
that it makes no difference whether or not we 
are baptized; that it has nothing to do with 
our salvation ; that our sins are pardoned as 
soon as we believe — without baptism. But — 
by what authority do they so teach? Surely 
not the Bible, for such teaching contradicts 
what the Bible says. 

Baptism is a part of the Gospel and is com- 
manded by Jesus Christ. He says: "Go . . . 
teach . . . baptize." Matt. 28 : 19. This brings 
upon every individual hearer of the Gospel the 
responsibility of obedience, and the Bible says : 
"He (Christ) became the author of eternal 
salvation unto all them that obey him." Heb. 
5 : 9. Therefore, it makes a difference whether 
or not we obey the Gospel. 

Baptism is for the remission of sins. "Re- 
pent, and be baptized every one of you, in the 
name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." 
Acts 2 : 38. Baptism has to do with our salva- 
tion. "He that believeth and is baptized shall 
be saved/' Mark 16:16. Baptism places us 



80 GOSPEL FISHING 

"in Christ/' the only source of salvation. We 
are "baptized into Christ" (Gal. 3:27), to "ob- 
tain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus." 
2 Tim. 2: 10. In the light of these plain Bible 
statements how can any one teach that bap- 
tism is a non-essential? 

As the Bible says : "He that believeth and 
is baptized shall be saved," and "Repent, and 
be baptized . . . for the remission of sins," it 
is plain that baptism is just as necessary as 
faith and repentance, and no one has Bible 
authority to teach otherwise. The argument 
that will do away with baptism, will do away 
with faith and repentance, also. To teach sin- 
ners that their sins are forgiven as soon as 
they believe — without baptism, deceives them, 
and contradicts the plain Scripture record. 

From these passages of Scripture it is plain 
that faith alone is not sufficient — that baptism 
has to do with our salvation. How, then, can 
it be a non-essential? And what grounds has 
any one for believing that his sins have been 
forgiven, and that he is saved, while per- 
sistently rejecting this important element of 
the Gospel ? Reader, will you let prejudice rob 
you of eternal life? 



GOSPEL FISHING 81 

The Bible says : "Except a man be born of 
water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into 
the kingdom of God/' John 3 : 5. 



a 



WHICH CHURCH SHALL I JOIN?" 



"Does it make any real difference whether 
I become a Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, 
Lutheran, Congregationalist, Episcopalian, 
etc., etc.? There are so many churches, 
and they teach so many different doctrines, 
that I hardly know which one to join. And 
why are there so many — are they all 
right? If not, which one is the true 
church ?" 

Reader, do you realize that the New Testa- 
ment recognizes but one church, i. e., "the 
{ church of God" (Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 15:9), or 

body of Christ" (Eph. 1:22, 23). And note: 

There is one body" (Eph. 4:4). 

We never read in the Bible of the Baptist, 
Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Congrega- 
tional, Episcopal church, etc., etc. They are 
human organizations wearing unscriptural 
names. The church of God is a divine insti- 
tution of which Christ is the head (Col. 1 : 18), 



"1 



82 GOSPEL FISHING 

and baptized believers the members, or body 
(Gal. 3:27; 1 Cor. 12:12, 27). 

The New Testament condemns divisions 
and the wearing of party names. (See 1 Cor. 
1:10-13; 3:1-7). As disciples of Christ we 
should wear the name — Christian. (Acts 11: 
26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16, R. V.) By obeying 
the Gospel we become Christians only, and the 
Lord saves, and adds us to "the church, which 
in his body" (Acts 2:47; Eph. 1:22, 23). 
The various congregations of Christians that 
compose the church, or body of Christ, 
are called "churches of Christ" (Rom. 
16:16). 

Christ prayed that his followers might all 
be one — a united church, "that the world may 
believe" (John 17:20, 21). The present di- 
vided condition of the religious world is re- 
sponsible for much of the unbelief that pre- 
vails ; it is a hindrance to the spread of the 
Gospel, and a dishonor to the cause of Christ. 
The different denominations are not "branch- 
es" of the church. There are no "branch 
churches." The church, which is the "body 
of Christ/' has members, and the members are 
the branches. Jesus says : "I am the vine, ye 




GOSPEL FISHING 83 

(who? disciples) are the branches" (John 15: 

5). 

We do not "join" the church — the Lord 

adds us to it. See Acts 2 : 47. The same 
steps that make us Christians (Faith, Acts 16: 
31 ; Repentance, Acts 17 : 30; 3:19; Confes- 
sion, Rom. 10:9, and Baptism, Mark 16:16; 
Acts 2:38; Gal. 3:26, 27), make us members 
of the church or body of Christ. Having com- 
plied with the Gospel conditions and become 
a Christian only, we should take our place in 
the local congregation of Christians for both 
worship and service. 



THE MOURNERS' BENCH. 

The "mourners' bench" is a modern inno- 
vation — a man-made institution, a product of 
the eighteenth century. We never read in the 
New Testament of sinners being invited to the 
"mourners' bench" to "get religion," and there 
being urged to "Hold on to God,"- "Pray 
through," etc., etc. Such a method of dealing 
with the unsaved was unknown to the New 
Testament churches. It is an unscriptural 
practice, which not only finds no sanction in 



84 GOSPEL FISHING 



the New Testament, but perverts the Gospel 
of Christ. 

There is no salvation at the "mourners' 
bench. ,, Salvation is in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 
2:10), therefore, if we would be saved we 
must be "in Christ" (2 Cor. 5: 17). We may 
find "feeling" at the "mourners' bench," but 
feeling is not salvation. The true evidence of 
sins forgiven is not to be found in how we 
feel, but in what God says. The word of God 
is the only safe foundation. Unless we have 
complied with all the conditions of salvation, we 
are still unsaved, no matter how we feel. 

To invite sinners to the "mourners' bench" ; 
teach them to believe that their sins are for- 
given on condition of faith alone ; that "feel- 
ing" is the evidence of pardon ; and instruct 
them to pray until they "feel" saved, is to de- 
ceive them, and contradict the plain Scripture 
record. 

According to the New Testament the con- 
ditions of salvation are Faith, Repentance, 
Confession and Baptism. 

1. "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and 
thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31. "He that 
believeth not shall be damned." Mark 16:16. 



GOSPEL FISHING 85 

Faith in Christ is essential to salvation, but 
faith alone is not sufficient. 

2. "God . . . now commandeth all men 
everywhere to repent. ,, Acts 17:30. "Repent 
ye therefore, and be converted (turn again, 
R. V.), that your sins may be blotted out." 
Acts 3 : 19. 

3. "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth 
the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart 
that God hath raised him from the dead, thou 
shalt be saved." Rom. 10 : 9. 

4. ''He that believeth and is baptized shall 
be saved." Mark 16: 16. "Repent, and be bap- 
tized every one of you in the name of Jesus 
Christ for the remission of sin, and ye shall 
receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2 : 
38. "As many of you as have been baptized 
into Christ have put on Christ." Gal. 3 : 27. 



QUESTIONS FOR YOU. 

Are you a Christian? Are you resting your 
hope of salvation upon what men say, or what 
you know the Bible says? According to the 
Bible there are five steps into the Christian 
life. (1) HEAR the Gospel. Rom. 10: 17; Acts 



85 GOSPEL FISHING 



4:4; (2) BELIEVE in Jesus Christ. Acts 16: 
31; (3) REPENT of your sins. Acts 17:30; 
3:19; (4) CONFESS CHRIST before men. 
Rom. 10:9; Matt. 10:32; (5) BE BAP- 
TIZED. Acts 18:8; 2:38; Mark 16:16; Gal. 
3:27. Have you taken these steps? Many 
take the first four, but neglect the fifth — bap- 
tism. Have you done this? Unless you have 
complied with all the conditions of salvation 
have you any right to say that you are saved, 
and call yourself a Christian? The Bible says : 
"If any man be in Christ he is a new creature/ 5 
2 Cor. 5 : 17. Do you realize that salvation is 
in Christ ( 2 Tim. 2 : 10) and that we must be 
"in Christ'' to be saved? Reader, are you "in 
Christ"? Do you know how we get into 
Christ? The Bible says: "As many of you as 
have been baptized into Christ have put on 
Christ." Gal. 3 : 27. As we are "baptized into 
Christ" can we be "in Christ" if not baptized? 
Some call baptism a non-essential, but the 
Bible says : "Repent, and be baptized . . . for 
the remission of sins"; and "He that believeth 
and is baptized shall be saved." If baptism is 
a non-essential, and we are saved without it, 
why does the Bible make it a condition of 



GOSPEL FISHING 87 

salvation? As the Bibie says: "Repent, and 
be baptized . . . for the remission of sins," 
and 'He that believeth and is baptized 
shall be saved," what grounds have you for 
believing that your sins are forgiven, and 
that you are saved, without baptism? To- 
day, when men come inquiring, 'What must 
I do to be saved?" why do not the preach- 
ers answer as did Peter on the day of 
Pentecost? See Acts 2:37, 38. Why do 
they omit baptism? Is there more than one 
way to be saved? Has the plan of salvation 
been changed? Have preachers of the gospel 
the authority to preach contrary to the gospel, 
and change God's law of pardon? The Bible 
says: "He (Christ) became the author of 
eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." 
Heb. 5 : 9. See also Matt. 28 : 19, 20 ; 1 Pet. 4 : 
17; 2 Thess. 1:7-9. Reader, have you obeyed 
the gospel, i. e., — been baptized? If not, why 
not? Can you hope to be saved while reject- 
ing this important element of gospel truth? 
Will you let prejudice and the opinions of men 
keep you out of the kingdom of God? The 
Bible says : 'We ought to obey God rather 
than men." Acts 5 : 29. 



88 GOSPEL FISHING 



"INFANT BAPTISM." 

Reader, have you been baptized? Do you 
answer, "Yes, I was baptized when an in- 
fant?" You are mistaken. According to the 
Bible there is no such thing as "infant bap- 
tism. ,; It is a man-made doctrine — -an un- 
scriptural practice. 

"Oh," you say, "I know it must be Bible; 
Our preacher says so." But — do you really 
know? Is the foundation of your faith what 
the preacher says, or WHAT GOD SAYS? 
Have you searched the Scriptures and made 
an honest effort to learn the truth? If "infant 
baptism" is a Bible doctrine, it is in the Bible, 
and you can find it there as well as the 
preacher. But — have you found it there? 
Can you give chapter and verse? 

As a Christian, THE BIBLE, and not what 
men say, should be your rule of faith and 
practice. You cannot afford to be deceived in 
a matter of so great importance. It vitally 
concerns your eternal future. The Word of 
God is the only safe foundation. If the Bible 
teaches "infant baptism" it will be easy to find 
it there. But what are the facts? The Bible 



GOSPEL FISHING 89 

nowhere commands the baptism of infants, 
neither does it record their baptism. If you 

want authority for "infant baptism" you must 
find it outside of the Bible. If it is not in the 
Bible, how can it be a Bible doctrine? 

According to the Bible penitent believers 
are the only proper subjects for baptism. The 
Bible says : "He that believeth and is baptized 
shall be saved." — Mark 16 : 16. Can infants 
"believe"? The Bible says: "Repent and be 
baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus 
Christ for the remission of sins." — Acts 2 : 38. 
Can infants "repent"? Have they sins to be 
forgiven? Are they little sinners? 

Infants cannot be Scripturally baptized be- 
cause they can neither believe nor repent. "In- 
fant baptism" finds neither precept nor ex- 
ample in the Word of God. It is not a Bible 
doctrine. 



BAPTISM. 



I. The IMPORTANCE of Baptism. 

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, 
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and 
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."— Matt. 



90 GOSPEL FISHING 

28 : 19. Baptism is a part of the Gospel and 
is commanded by Jesus Christ. 

II. The ACT ("Mode") of Baptism. 
"And there went out unto him all the land 

of Judea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all 
baptized of him in the river of Jordan, con- 
fessing their sins." — Mark 1 : 5. "And John also 
was baptizing in Enon near to Salim, because 
there was much w^ater there." — John 3 : 23. 
"And they went down into the water, both 
Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 
And when they were come up out of the water, 
. . . ." — Acts 8 : 38, 39. 'Therefore, we are 
buried with him by baptism into death." — 
Rom. 6:4. "Buried with him in baptism, 
wherein, also, ye are risen with him." — Col. 
2 : 12. Baptism requires water, much water, 
going down into the water, being raised from 
the water, and coming up out of water. 

III. The SUBJECTS of Baptism. 

"He that believeth and is baptized shall be 
saved." — Mark 16:16. "Repent, and be bap- 
tized everv one of vou in the name of Jesus 
Christ."— Acts 2:38. All who believe in 
Christ and repent of their sins are commanded 
to be baptized. Infants can neither believe 



GOSPEL FISHING 91 

nor repent; therefore, they are not Scriptural 
subjects for baptism. 

IV. The DESIGN of Baptism. 

"Repent, and be baptized . . . for the remis- 
sion of sins." — Acts 2 : 38. ! 'He that believeth 
and is baptized shall be saved." — Mark 16 : 16. 
As the Bible makes baptism a condition of 
salvation, what grounds have we for claiming 
to be saved without it? "As many of you as 
have been baptized into Christ have put on 
Christ." — Gal. 3 : 27. As we are "baptized into 
Christ" can we be "in Christ" if not baptized? 
And can we be saved without being u in 
Christ" ? 

The Bible says : "Except a man be born of 
water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into 
the kingdom of God." — John 3 : 5. 



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